Kyorugi or Sparring is a term whose popular use usually
brings to mind the Taekwondo sparring competition event in the 2000 Summer
Olympic Games. In reality, Kyorugi is a term that covers a wide array of
many different sparring training methods found within Taekwondo. Kyorugi
means ''confrontation'', namely with the self and is the essence of the
whole of Taekwondo.

Aim of Kyorugi training and practice

Challenges can bring out the best and the worst in people.
Kyorugi is a method of self realization with the aim to overcome internal
obstacles such as fear, frustration, hate, anger, indecision and all forms
of ignorance that act as road blocks on our path to a successful life.

The above four methods of training are applied to fifteen
distinct types of Kyorugi practice which are composed of three (3) types
of ''standard kyorugi'', five (5) types of "special kyorugi" and seven
(7) types of Kyorugi against weapons.

Three types of standard Macho Kyorugi for attack and defense
of the body and head area.

Techniques from:

1. Poomse - quality of action-shape, forms.

2. Chayu Kyorugi - contact sparring, competition training.

3. Mom-pulgi - holds and grabs. AKA Hoshinsool.

Five types of special Macho Kyorugi for attack and defense
of the body and head area. These types of Kyorugi are rarely practiced
and it is unusual to find them in a Dojangs regular curriculum.

Special positions:

1. An-ja Kyorugi - sparring from sitting on the ground

(6 illustrations shown*)

2. eui-ja Kyorugi - sparring from sitting on the chair

(5 illustrations shown*)

3. tak-sang Kyorugi - sparring from sitting at a table

4. nu-weo Kyorugi - sparring from lying down

5. mom-pool-ki - sparring against various grabs, holds,
etc.

Seven types of Kyorugi against weapons. More popular than
five special positions Kyorugi, most of these are well known and practiced
at wide based curriculum Dojangs.

1. zzaleun-mak-dae-matseogi - sparring against a short
club/stick

(4 illustrations shown*)

2. kin-mak-dae-matseogi - sparring against a long bar/club/stick

(3 illustrations shown*)

3. zzaleun-kal-matseogi - sparring against a short knife

(3 illustrations shown*)

4. kin-kal-matseogi - sparring against a sword

(4 illustrations shown*)

5. chang-matseogi - sparring against a spear

5. kwon-chong-matseogi - sparring against a pistol

(5 illustrations shown*)

6. chong-kum-matseogi - sparring against rifle with bayonet

(2 illustrations shown*)

* These types noted with (*) have the stated number of
illustrations demonstrated in the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Textbook ISBN# 89-7336-735-8
(1996), even though all of the names I listed of Macho Kyorugi were taken
from the **TAEKWONDO INSTRUCTOR COURSE TEXTBOOK, World Taekwondo Academy
- Kukkiwon (1998) - not for sale

2. Chayu Kyorugi (free sparring)

Type of free sparring governed by strict set of safety
guidelines. The main elements in Chayu Kyorugi are; will power/ tenacity,
tactics/strategy, choice/decision, fitness/stamina, strength/explosiveness,
agility/quickness, technical skills, psychological development and training
philosophy.

The two types of Chayu Kyorugi are: Yonsup Kyorugi and
Shihap Kyorugi.

A. Yonsup Kyorugi (contact sparring)

Contact training method that requires both players to
attack, defend and counter/attack using a planned series of techniques
for beginners and an unplanned series of techniques for more advanced players,
utilizing constantly changing distance, time and tempo elements. There
are two sub categories of Yonsup Kyorugi: Harmonized Kyorugi and Preparation
Kyorugi.

1a. Harmonized Kyorugi (habitual synthesize sparring)

Harmonized Kyorugi utilizes offensive and defensive techniques
of Chayu Kyorugi in a prearranged fashion, commonly referred to as "Hogu
Drills". It is the foundation of "Preparation Kyorugi" and is the early
training stage for beginners as well as a conditioning method for advanced
players. Harmonized Kyorugi improves all areas of Taekwondo as it is especially
focused on timing, space control, body motions, combination techniques,
mental focus, and confidence.

1b. Preparation Kyorugi (conditioning & application
sparring)

Preparation Kyorugi directly refines all components of
competition such as quickness, agility, footwork, explosiveness, body motions,
will power, etc. by using the situation of a real competition allowing
Chayu Kyorugi techniques used against an actual opponent. Preparation Kyorugi
develops will power and tenacity ultimately improving self-defense capabilities,
the creation of strong self-confidence and a fighting spirit.

B. Shihap Kyorugi (match/competition sparring)

Shihap Kyorugi is the part of Chayu Kyorugi that was accepted
as an official event at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. In this Kyorugi
it is mandatory for competitors to wear headgear, trunk protector, forearm,
shin and groin guards. Electronic score boards with simultaneous scoring
system are used atNational and International Games, and the rules of the
World Taekwondo Federation are followed. All the elements of Chayu Kyorugi
come together to combine with the support of the Master, Trainers, Coaches,
Team mates, Family and Officials in a contest of physical and mental abilities
where opponents face each other in the ring to test themselves and all
that has went into their development.